Korean Intel Lauds NDLEA for Arresting Wanted Drug Kingpin, Seeks Extradition

ABUJA, NIGERIA – The National Intelligence Service of the Republic of Korea (NIS) has publicly commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its outstanding dedication and expertise in the recent apprehension of a notorious 59-year-old drug baron, Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff. Ogbonnaya’s 17-year evasion of justice, during which he allegedly orchestrated the shipment of illicit drugs valued at billions of naira across international borders, came to an end in February with his arrest by NDLEA operatives in Lagos.

For years, Ogbonnaya had been a major concern for Korean authorities due to the persistent flow of illegal narcotics linked to him into South Korea. This led to the issuance of an Interpol red notice against him, prompting the NIS to seek the assistance of the NDLEA in locating and detaining him. Notably, Ogbonnaya had previously served a one-year prison sentence in Korea for drug-related offenses in 2007 before being deported to Nigeria in 2008. After an extended period of surveillance, operatives from the NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit successfully apprehended him on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at his hideout located at No. 3, Ibukunoluwa Taiwo Close, off LASU Road, Lagos.

In a show of appreciation for this significant breakthrough, a delegation from the Korean Intelligence Service paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), in Abuja yesterday, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The delegation delivered a letter of gratitude from the Director of NIS, Taeyong Cho. In his letter, Mr. Cho lauded Gen. Marwa’s support and “the NDLEA’s exceptional cooperation during our recent joint operation, which led to the arrest of Kevin Jeff, a key figure in an international drug organization.”

According to the Korean Intelligence chief, “Kevin Jeff was responsible for smuggling significant quantities of narcotics into the Republic of Korea, and the NIS had been tracking him for years. I am truly pleased that our two services have successfully carried out the first special cooperation, enabling us to bring him to justice. Without the NDLEA’s invaluable cooperation, those long-standing efforts might have been in vain.”

Mr. Cho further stated, “Once again, I extend my deepest gratitude for the NDLEA’s exemplary service in this cooperation. Building on this significant achievement in our joint efforts against drug-related crimes, I look forward to further strengthening our collaboration.” The NIS delegation, comprising Messrs Choi Younkwan and Kim Juseok, formally requested the extradition of Ogbonnaya to South Korea to face the pending drug charges against him.

Responding to the commendation and the extradition request, Gen. Marwa expressed his gratitude to the Korean authorities and assured them of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the global fight against illicit drug trafficking.

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“We’re delighted to partner with you and be of service to you because your Service has a long history of professionalism. We want to give the assurance that at any time, you can count on us to work together with you towards a drug-free world,” the NDLEA boss affirmed.

He also conveyed his appreciation to the Korean government for their donation of vital equipment to the Agency, emphasizing that these resources “will be of tremendous help to us as we continue to execute our job of keeping Nigeria and the world safe from drug traffickers.” Gen. Marwa stated that he would carefully consider their extradition request, ensuring adherence to Nigerian laws and existing bilateral agreements between the two nations. He also expressed optimism regarding potential training opportunities for NDLEA officers at Korean Intelligence training institutions as part of the growing partnership.

Signed:
Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
Wednesday 16th April 2025